Energy-capturing knee brace
This undated handout photo provided by the journal Science shows a new energy-capturing knee brace can generate enough electricity from walking to operate a portable GPS locator, a cell phone, a motorized prosthetic joint or an implanted neurotransmitter, research involving the University of Michigan shows. The biomechanical energy harvester includes an aluminum chassis and generator mounted on a customized orthopaedic knee brace. In what could be the ultimate in power walking, researchers have developed a device that generates electrical power from the swing of a walking person’s knee. The device helps the leg decelerate and can generate enough power to charge a cell phone without requiring much additional energy from the person. (AP Photo/Simon Fraser University, Greg Ehlers)
Science Magazine: http://tinyurl.com/392eye
